MM7 Scene from THE KING S SPEECH Written by David Seidler

Transcription

1 MM7 Scene from THE KING S SPEECH Written by David Seidler This is the "Hero turns the tables on antagonist, apparent victory" scene and in this case, we're presenting Lionel as the hero. At different parts of the movie, Lionel has fought to be "an equal" with Bertie so he could do his job and make the change that Bertie needs. But now, Bertie is about to take the oath as King, and as you'll see below, there are important people who oppose Lionel as the King's therapist. This scene, set in the most intimidating place for Lionel, is where he will fight the final fight between the two. INT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - THAT NIGHT Footsteps resonate. Lionel enters. Ahead, he sees Cosmo Lang quietly conferring with Bertie. As Lionel approached, Cosmo Lang slips away. I can't believe I'm walking on Chaucer and Handel and Dickens. Everything alright? Let's get cracking. Bertie, seated on a ceremonial chair, does not rise. PAUSE- I'm not here to rehearse, Doctor Logue. NOTE: We just went through a Hope/Fear sequence there. Lionel entered feeling great about helping Bertie and being brought into world of the new King. That was the hope. Immediately, he is attacked and his lack of credibility exposed. That creates the fear. True, you never called yourself 'Doctor'. I did that for you. No diploma, no training, no qualifications. Just a great deal of nerve. It is also the setup for this final fight between Bertie and Lionel. Ah, the star chamber inquisition, is it? Page 1

2 You asked for trust and total equality. Bertie, I heard you at Wembley, I was there. I heard you. My son Laurie said "Do you think you could help that poor man?" I replied "If I had the chance". What, as a failed actor!? It's true, I'm not a doctor, and yes I acted a bit, recited in pubs and taught elocution in schools. When the Great War came, our boys were pouring back from the front, shellshocked and unable to speak and somebody said, "Lionel, you're very good at all this speech stuff. Do you think you could possibly help these poor buggers". I did muscle therapy, exercise, relaxation, but I knew I had to go deeper. Those poor young blokes had cried out in fear, and no-one was listening to them. My job was to give them faith in their voice and let them know that a friend was listening. That must ring a few bells with you, Bertie. NOTE: This isn't a physical battle; it is NOTE: a battle for Lionel's credibility..and for Bertie's commitment to continuing therapy with Lionel. NOTE: And now, it is clear that it is not just Bertie who opposes Lionel. Someone official is breathing down Bertie's neck. You give a very noble account of yourself. Make inquiries. It's all true. Inquiries have been made! You have no idea who I have breathing down my neck. I vouched for you and you have no credentials. But lots of success! I can't show you a certificate - there was no training then. All I know I know by experience, and that war was some experience. My plaque says, 'L. Page 2

3 Logue, Speech Defects'. No Dr., no letters after my name. (with mock seriousness) Lock me in the Tower. I would if I could! NOTE: Now, we're starting to see the depth of which Bertie has blamed his own failure on Lionel. It is not just the inquires or lack of credentials. Bertie believes his situation is hopeless. He believes all is lost...and it is because of Lionel's greed for a "star patient." On what charge? Fraud! With war looming, you've saddle this nation with a voiceless King. Destroyed the happiness of my family...all for the sake of ensnaring a star patient you knew you couldn't possibly assist! His desperation spills out. He pulls himself out the chair, striding past Lionel. It'll be like mad King George the Third, there'll be Mad King George the Stammerer, who let his people down so badly in their hour of need! NOTE: That's a bold move! Notice how this scene is nonstop attack-counter attack. These two are fighting for everything that matters to them. And Lionel just risked offending the King in a big way. Lionel sits down on the chair of Edward the Confessor. OVERLAPPING- What're you doing? Get up! You can't sit there! Why not? It's a chair. No, it's not, that is Saint Edward's Chair- People have carved their initials into it! That chair is the seat on which every King and Queen- It's held in place by a large rock! Page 3

4 OVERLAPPING- That is the Stone of Scone, you are trivialising everything- I don't care. I don't care how many Royal arses have sat in this chair- Listen to me...! Listen to you?! By what right? Divine right, if you must! I'm your King!!! Noooo you're not! Told me so yourself. Said you didn't want it. So why should I waste my time listening to you? Because I have a right to be heard! NOTE: Wow! Lionel doesn't back down for a second. He's also just showed that he is great at his therapy. He caused Bertie to speak, but more important, he caused him to declare his right to be heard. Then, he showed his total commitment to Bertie. Heard as what?! A man! I HAVE A VOICE!!! (quietly) Yes you do. You have such perseverance, Bertie, you're the bravest man I know. And you'll make a bloody good king. Bertie stares at him. A familiar voice is heard from the shadows. VOICE What on earth's going on, Sir? It's all right, Archbishop. The Archbishop of Canterbury. Page 4

5 NOTE: Now, we know who the official voice is that opposes Lionel. NOTE: And our fears have been taken to a new level because Lionel just got officially fired. Mr Logue, you should know that I have found a replacement English specialist with impeccable credentials. Hence, your services will no longer be required. I'm sorry? Your Majesty's function is to consult and be advised. You didn't consult, but you've just been advised. Now I advise you: in this personal matter I will make my own decision. My concern is for the head upon which I must place the crown. I appreciate that Archbishop, but it's my head! Your humble servant. Lang turns on his heel and is gone, leaving Bertie shaken, with both anger, and fear. Thank you Bertie. Shall we rehearse? NOTE: I love how Lionel immediately gets back to work. With this level of conflict, he needs to return to what he does best and move things forward for the King, his newly confirmed client. Bertie sits in the ceremonial chair once more. As soon as you and Elizabeth enter the West door, you'll be greeted with the hymn "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me." You won't actually be that glad, because they sing it for a great long time. Then your friend the Archbishop will ponce up and say, "Sir, is Your Majesty willing to take The Oath?" You say.. "I am willing". Page 5

6 Course you are! I'll see what it sounds like from the cheap seats so even your old nanny can hear. "Will you govern your peoples of Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand according to their lands and customs?" "I solemnly promise so do so." LOUDER! I can't hear you up the back. "I SOLEMNLY PROMISE TO DO SO!" Very good! "Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?" "I will." "I WILL!" Then a long bit about upholding the faith, rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. To which you finally say... "These things which I have herebefore promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God." That's all you have to say. Four short responses, kiss the book and sign the oath. There you are: you're King. Easy. Bertie finally smiles. NOTE: This fight could easily have been the end for Lionel as Bertie's therapist, and worse yet, the end for Bertie as a person capable of speaking for this nation. Those are the kind of stakes that are necessary for a Mini-Movie #7 fight. Page 6